It’s exam time and we know that it can be stressful. You’ve studied hard and, naturally, you want to do well. To help you stay calm and focused during your exams, we’ve put together our tried and tested revision tips:
- Start revising as early as possible – We all know how easy it is to put off revising, but the more time you have to prepare, the more likely you are to remember what you have learned. Starting early will also help you avoid any last-minute panics!
- Create a revision timetable – Plan out the topics for each subject you will be revising and break down the content to create a revision timetable. Why not follow the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks down your study times into 20-30-minute slots and 10-15-minute breaks in between these study periods.
- Think about your environment – When it comes to revision, be aware of the environment where you study and any distractions that could affect your ability to revise properly and adequately. Before you sit down to revise, think about your surroundings. Are you comfortable? Is it well lit? Are there any noises in the room or is there anything else that will distract you?
- Take regular breaks – Taking regular breaks and having proper rest are just as important as revising to ensure you are alert and receptive. Make sure you sleep well, for around 7-8 hours every night, eat healthily and take regular exercise.
- Try different revision methods – Revision techniques include writing notes on flash cards, completing past papers, creating mind maps, working in groups with friends, and recording yourself talking and then playing this back. Finding what works for you involves trial and error, but there are lots of different techniques you can try out. One of our favourites is the Scribble Technique, which is essentially a memory game that encourages you to recall information. This is called retrieval practice, or the Blurting Technique, which is remarkably similar, and can be done on a larger scale when revising a whole topic instead of a subtopic. You could create a prompt sheet that triggers memories of the topic, which you can glance at if you get stuck.
- Make sure you have a positive attitude to learning – Having a positive attitude lets you relax, remember, focus and absorb information as you learn. In fact, positivity can make it easier to achieve your goals.
Good luck in your exams! Remember… You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose – Dr Seuss
Anil, Ayesha, Ben, David, Faraz, Mia, Sobia, Victoria
Xaverian’s Academic Mentoring Team
